Textile using a flat multilobar cross-section fiber

ABSTRACT

A fabric is subjected to calender processing on one or both surfaces and includes a polyamide fiber as warp or/and woof having, after calender processing, a single filament fineness of 0.5 to 2.5 dtex and a total fiber fineness of 5 to 50 dtex, the single filament having a cross-sectional shape that is flat multifoliar with 6 to 10 lobe parts and has a flat ratio (W) (α/β) of 1.5 to 3.0, the fabric having a cover factor of 1200 to 2500.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to a fabric that is lightweight and thin and has high strength, low air permeability, and excellent glossiness. More particularly, the disclosure relates to a fabric that is lightweight and thin and has high strength, low air permeability, and excellent glossiness, comprising a polyamide fiber with a fine size and a flat multifoliar cross section.

BACKGROUND

As represented by the outdoor activity boom in recent years, the interest of consumers in recreation has been increasing year by year. Particularly in sportswear applications, demands are increasing year by year with the proliferation of outdoor sports, and there has been an increasing demand for reduction in weight and thickness of, for example, tents, sleeping bags, materials of canvas and the like, and clothing. A fabric used for sportswear requires high strength, in particular, improved tear strength and improved wear resistance. The fabric, particularly when subjected to a coating process such as laminating, is less likely to cause yarn slippage and thus tends to have reduced tear strength and, accordingly, improvement in tear strength of a base fabric has been increasingly desired.

Conventionally, aiming at reduction in weight and thickness, fabrics made of a polyester multifilament, nylon multifilament, or conjugate fiber thereof have often been used for down wear, material for sports, and the like due to their excellent mechanical properties. Such fabrics are soft, lightweight, and excellent in properties such as windbreak, water-repellency, and fastness, and thus have often been used for, for example, coats, blousons, golf wear, and outdoor wear for sports.

JP 2010-196213 A discloses, as a means to solve the problem of high strength and reduction in weight and thickness, a fabric comprising a synthetic multifilament, wherein by subjecting the fabric to calender processing on at least one surface, monofilaments are pressed overlapped each other in at least a part of the synthetic multifilament, the synthetic multifilament having a fineness of 7 dtex to 44 dtex, wherein the monofilaments have a Y-shaped or cruciform cross section, the fabric having a cover factor of 1300 to 2200.

The fabric obtained by the method disclosed in JP 2010-196213 A, however, has a gloss with glitter and streaks because of uniformly reflected light, and is unsatisfactory in appearance such as glossiness of products, as well as functionality. As described above, there are fabrics satisfying the required properties such as high strength, reduced weight, and reduced thickness in the prior art, but glossiness has not been considered sufficiently, and there has been no fabric having a delicate and elegant gloss. Furthermore, a sufficiently lasting function has not been provided: e.g., a fabric shows a significant decrease in air permeability after repeated washing, and suffers from slipping-out of downs, for example, when used as a shell of a down jacket.

It could therefore be helpful to provide a fabric that is lightweight and thin, has high strength, low air permeability, and excellent glossiness, and can be suitably used as a ticking in sportswear, casual wear, and women's and men's wear represented, for example, by down jackets, windbreakers, golf wear, and rainwear; a sewn product obtained by using the fabric at least in part; and a down shell and a down jacket obtained by using the fabric at least in part.

SUMMARY

We thus provide:

(1) A fabric subjected to calender processing on one or both surfaces, comprising a polyamide fiber used as warp or/and woof having, after calender processing of the fabric, a single filament fineness of 0.5 to 2.5 dtex and a total fiber fineness of 5 to 50 dtex, the single filament having a cross-sectional shape that is flat multifoliar with 6 to 10 lobe parts and has a flat ratio (W) (α/β) of 1.5 to 3.0, wherein a is a length of a line segment A, which is a longest line segment connecting any two apexes of convex portions of the flat multifoliar shape, and 0 is a length of a line segment B of a circumscribed quadrangle formed by lines that are parallel to the line segment A and are tangent lines containing outermost apexes (the angle between adjacent sides is 90°), the line segment B being other than the lines that are parallel to the line segment A, the fabric having a cover factor of 1200 to 2500.

(2) The fabric according to (1) above, wherein the polyamide fiber has, before calender processing of the fabric, a single filament fineness of 0.4 to 2.2 dtex and a total fiber fineness of 4 to 44 dtex, the single filament having a cross-sectional shape that is flat multifoliar with 6 to 10 leaves and satisfies both equations below:

Flat ratio (F)(a/b)=1.5 to 3.0

Modified shape ratio (F)(c/d)=1.0 to 8.0

wherein a is a length of a longest line segment A connecting any two apexes of convex portions of the flat multifoliar shape; b is a length of a line segment B of a circumscribed quadrangle formed by lines that are parallel to the line segment A and are tangent lines containing outermost apexes (the angle between adjacent sides is 90°), the line segment B being other than the lines that are parallel to the line segment A; c is a length of a line segment C connecting the apexes of adjacent convex portions of the largest concavity and convexity among concavities and convexities formed by the flat multifoliar shape; and d is a length of a perpendicular D drawn from the bottom of a concave portion between the convex portions to the line segment C connecting the apexes of the convex portions.

(3) The fabric according to (1) or (2) above, having a tear strength of 5.0 N or more and an initial air permeability of 1.0 cc/cm²/s or lower.

(4) The fabric according to any one of (1) to (3) above, having an air permeability after fifty washing of 1.0 cc/cm²/s or lower.

(5) The fabric according to any one of (1) to (4) above, wherein the difference between the initial air permeability and the air permeability after fifty washing is 0.4 cc/cm²/s or less.

(6) A sewn product obtained by using the fabric according to any one of (1) to (5) above at least in part.

(7) A down shell or a down jacket obtained by using the fabric according to any one of (1) to (5) above at least in part.

We provide a fabric that is lightweight and thin and has high strength, low air permeability, and excellent glossiness with no glitter or streaks. We further provide a fabric that can be suitably used as a ticking for, for example, sportswear, casual wear, and women's and men's wear represented, for example, by down jackets, windbreakers, golf wear, and rainwear. We also provide a sewn product obtained by using the fabric of the present invention in part. We further provide a down shell and a down jacket obtained by using the fabric of the present invention in part.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a SEM photograph of a fabric transverse cross section illustrating our fabric.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the outline of the cross-sectional shape of a single filament constituting our fabric.

FIGS. 3 (a-c) are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating the shape of the spinneret outlet port used in Examples.

FIGS. 4 (a-c) are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating the shape of the spinneret outlet port used in Comparative Examples.

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the fabric including fibers having a Y-shaped cross section obtained in Comparative Example.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS

1 to 3: Polyamide single filaments located at the fabric surface after calender processing

4 to 6: Polyamide single filaments not located at the fabric surface

A: Longest line segment connecting any two apexes of convex portions of a flat multifoliar shape

B: Line segment of a circumscribed quadrangle formed by lines that are parallel to the line segment A and are tangent lines containing outermost apexes (the angle between adjacent sides is 90°), the line segment B being other than the lines that are parallel to the line segment A

C: Line segment connecting the apexes of adjacent convex portions of the largest concavity and convexity formed by the flat multifoliar shape

D: Perpendicular drawn from the bottom of a concave portion between the convex portions to the line segment C connecting the apexes of the convex portions

e: Slit length of flat eight-leave-shaped outlet port used in Example 1

f: Slit length of flat eight-leave-shaped outlet port used in Example 1

g: Slit length of flat six-leave-shaped outlet port used in Example 4

h: Slit length of flat six-leave-shaped outlet port used in Example 4

i: Slit length of flat ten-leave-shaped outlet port used in Example 5

j: Slit length of flat ten-leave-shaped outlet port used in Example 5

k: Slit length of Y-shaped outlet port used in Comparative Example 2

l: Slit length of cross-shaped outlet port used in Comparative Example 3

m: Slit length of flat twelve-leave-shaped outlet port used in Comparative Example 6

n: Slit length of flat twelve-leave-shaped outlet port used in Comparative Example 6

Area O: Area where a concave portion of a single filament and a convex portion of an adjacent single filament overlap each other

Area X: Area where a concave portion of a single filament and a concave portion of an adjacent single filament overlap each other

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The polyamide constituting the fabric is what is called a polymer in which hydrocarbon groups are linked by amide bonds to the main chain, and examples include polycaprolactam (nylon 6), polyhexamethylene adipamide (nylon 66), polyhexamethylene sebacamide (nylon 6,10), polytetramethylene adipamide (nylon 4,6), polypentamethylene adipamide (nylon 5,6), polyamides formed by condensation polymerization of 1,4-cyclohexanebis(methylamine) and a linear aliphatic dicarboxylic acid, copolymers thereof, and mixtures thereof. In terms of stainability and color development, nylon 6 and nylon 66 are preferred, and nylon 6 is more preferred.

The degree of polymerization of the above polyamide, which may be set as appropriate depending on the properties required for fabrics, is preferably 2 or more in terms of relative viscosity in 98% sulfuric acid, more preferably 3 or more. A relative viscosity in 98% sulfuric acid of 3 or more allows spinning to form a single filament whose cross-sectional shape is flat multifoliar with 6 to 10 leaves, and achieves stable spinning with a flat ratio and a modified shape ratio controlled in a specific range. In particular, the relative viscosity in 98% sulfuric acid is more preferably 3.3 or more. The upper limit of the relative viscosity in 98% sulfuric acid is preferably not more than 7 from the standpoint of spinnability.

Additionally, additives to improve productivity, for example, improve heat resistance (e.g., light stabilizers, heat stabilizers, oxidation stabilizers, antistatic agents, terminal regulators, and dyeability-improving agents) and additives to provide functionality (e.g., ultraviolet ray absorbing agents, ultraviolet ray shielding agents, contact cold-sensation agents, and antibacterial agents) may be added, provided that the additives are in an amount and of type that do not impair the object of the present invention. However, the average particle diameter of the additives is preferably 1 μm or less to not reduce spinnability or durability. Inorganic particles including white pigments are added preferably in an amount of not more than 2.0% by mass relative to the fiber, more preferably in an amount of not more than 1.0% by mass, although these values are not limitative.

The polyamide fiber after calender processing constituting the fabric will now be described in more detail.

For the polyamide fiber after calender processing constituting the fabric, the cross-sectional shape of a single filament is required to be flat multifoliar with 6 to 10 lobe parts and have a flat ratio (W) of 1.5 to 3.0.

FIG. 1 is a SEM photograph (×600) of a fabric transverse cross section illustrating the fabric. As shown in FIG. 1, polyamide single filaments located at the fabric surface after calender processing (e.g., 1 to 3) are smooth. Thus, in determining the flat ratio (W), polyamide single filaments not located at the fabric surface (e.g., 4 to 6) were used as single filaments of the polyamide fiber after calender processing. For the flat ratio, the average of measurements of five randomly-selected polyamide single filaments not located at the fabric surface was used.

“Flat ratio (W)” as used herein, as illustrated by the outline of the cross-sectional shape of a single filament shown in FIG. 2, is defined as a flat ratio of α/β, wherein a is a length of a longest line segment A connecting any two apexes of convex portions of the flat multifoliar shape, and β is a length of a line segment B of a circumscribed quadrangle formed by lines that are parallel to the line segment A and are tangent lines containing outermost apexes (the angle between adjacent sides is 90°), the line segment B being other than the lines that are parallel to the line segment A. A flat ratio (W) (α/β) of 1.5 to 3.0 allows single filaments in the fabric produced to be overlapped with a small gap therebetween, leading to reduced air permeability. Furthermore, a flat ratio in this range can achieve excellent glossiness and sufficient strength for practical use simultaneously. A flat ratio of less than 1.5 reduces the surface area, failing to achieve sufficient glossiness. A flat ratio of more than 3.0 leads to high polymer anisotropy, resulting in a glittering gloss, and further, failing to provide sufficient strength for practical use. The flat ratio is preferably 1.5 to 2.8.

The number of lobe parts as used herein is a value obtained by dividing the number of inflexion points in a fiber cross section by 2. Namely, in a multifoliar cross section, convex portions forming lobe parts and concave portions between the lobe parts are typically alternated, each having an inflexion point, thus the number of lobe parts can be counted by dividing the number of inflexion points by 2. As shown in FIG. 1, polyamide single filaments located at the fabric surface after calender processing (e.g., 1 to 3) are smooth. Thus, in determining the number of lobe parts, polyamide single filaments not located at the fabric surface (e.g., 4 to 6) were used as single filaments of the polyamide fiber after calender processing.

For the number of lobe parts, the average of measurements of five randomly-selected polyamide single filaments not located at the fabric surface was used. Six to ten lobe parts provide favorable glossiness. In particular, 6 to 8 lobe parts provide delicate gloss, which is preferred, and 8 lobe parts provide high-quality gloss, which is a more preferred aspect. When the number of lobe parts is less than 6, an artificial gloss with glitter is provided, giving an appearance like streaks. When the number of lobe parts is more than 10, light scatters to cause a dim gloss, failing to provide a satisfactory gloss.

When the flat ratio (W) and the number of lobe parts are in such ranges, movement of single filaments tends to be restricted, and upon being pressed and fixed by calender processing, concavities and convexities of the single filaments overlap each other with a small gap therebetween to enhance the air permeability-reducing effect, leading to reduced air permeability. For example, in a Y-shaped cross section or a cruciform cross section, although a portion unlikely to cause yarn slippage where a concave portion and a convex portion overlap each other (area O) is formed depending on the direction in which single filaments overlap, a portion prone to yarn slippage where a concave portion and a concave portion overlap each other (area X) is also formed in decent numbers depending on the direction in which single filaments overlap, resulting in increased air permeability or causing yarn slippage (FIG. 5). In the fabric, the cross section of a single filament has appropriate concavities and convexities, due to which the fabric surface tends to become uniformly smooth by calender processing, and favorable glossiness is provided.

The polyamide fiber after calender processing constituting the fabric is required to have a single filament fineness of 0.5 to 2.5 dtex. A single filament fineness in this range provides a fabric having sufficient strength for practical use and low air permeability. A single filament fineness of less than 0.5 dtex fails to provide sufficient strength for practical use, and a single filament fineness of more than 2.5 dtex fails to provide low air permeability. The single filament fineness is preferably 0.5 to 2.0 dtex.

Further, the polyamide fiber after calender processing constituting the fabric is required to have a total fiber fineness of 5 to 50 dtex from the standpoint of lightness of the fabric in use for down wear or material for sports. A total fiber fineness in this range provides a fabric that is lightweight and thin and has sufficient strength for practical use. A total fiber fineness of less than 5 dtex fails to provide a fabric that has sufficient strength for practical use, and a total fiber fineness of more than 50 dtex fails to provide a fabric that is lightweight and thin. The total fiber fineness is preferably 5 to 45 dtex, more preferably 5 to 35 dtex.

The total fiber fineness as used herein was measured as described below: two lines were drawn on a fabric in the warp or woof direction at an interval of 100 cm; the fabric was disentangled into warp or woof; a load of 1/10 g/dtex was applied to the disentangled yarn; and a length (Lcm) between two points was measured. The yarn was cut at the two points (L), and its weight (Wg) was measured to calculate the fineness by the following equation.

Total fiber fineness (disentangled yarn of fabric)=W/L×1000000 (dtex)

The single filament fineness is a value obtained by dividing the total fiber fineness by the number of filaments.

The polyamide fiber used for the fabric before calender processing constituting the fabric will now be described in more detail.

For the polyamide fiber used for the fabric before calender processing constituting the fabric, the cross-sectional shape of a single filament preferably is flat multifoliar with 6 to 10 leaves and has a flat ratio (F) (a/b) of 1.5 to 3.0 and a modified shape ratio (F) (c/d) of 1.0 to 8.0. Furthermore, when the cross-sectional shape of a single filament is 6 to 10 leaves, it is easy to provide favorable glossiness. In particular, a cross section of 6 to 8 leaves is more preferred because it provides a delicate gloss, and a flat multifoliar shape with 8 leaves is a most preferred aspect because it provides a high-quality gloss.

“Flat ratio (F)” and “modified shape ratio (F)” as used herein, as illustrated by the outline of the cross-sectional shape of a single filament shown in FIG. 2, are defined as a flat ratio of a/b and a modified shape ratio of c/d, respectively, wherein a is a length of a longest line segment A connecting any two apexes of convex portions of the flat multifoliar shape; b is a length of a line segment B of a circumscribed quadrangle formed by the lines that are parallel to the line segment A and are tangent lines containing outermost apexes (the angle between adjacent sides is 90°), the line segment B being other than the lines that are parallel to the line segment A; c is a length of a line segment C connecting the apexes of adjacent convex portions of the largest concavity and convexity formed by the flat multifoliar shape; and d is a length of a perpendicular D drawn from the bottom of a concave portion between the convex portions to the line segment C connecting the apexes of the convex portions. For the cross section of single filaments constituting yarn, five single filaments are randomly selected from a cross-sectional photograph (×400) taken by using a light microscope, and a/b and c/d are calculated. Their average values are used as the flat ratio (F) and the modified shape ratio (F).

A flat ratio (F) (a/b) of 1.5 to 3.0 allows single filaments in the fabric produced to be overlapped with a small gap therebetween, leading to reduced air permeability. Furthermore, a flat ratio in this range can achieve excellent glossiness and sufficient strength for practical use simultaneously. The flat ratio is preferably 1.5 to 2.8.

The modified shape ratio (F) (c/d) represents the size of a concave portion between leaves in the flat multifoliar shape. A higher modified shape ratio (F) means a shallower concave portion, and a lower modified shape ratio (F) means a deeper concave portion. To keep gaps between single filaments during fabric formation small and facilitate overlapping to increase the effect of low air permeability, the modified shape ratio (F) is preferably 8.0 or less.

On the other hand, the modified shape ratio (F) is preferably 1.0 or more to maintain the strength of a polyamide that forms a single filament. In terms of glossiness and texture, the modified shape ratio (F) is more preferably 2 to 7.

By using filaments of flat multifoliar cross-sectional shape having a flat ratio (F) and a modified shape ratio (F) in such ranges in advance, movement of single filaments tends to be restricted, and upon being pressed and fixed by calender processing, concavities and convexities of the single filaments overlap each other with a small gap therebetween to enhance the air permeability-reducing effect, leading to reduced air permeability. Furthermore, since the cross section of the single filaments is multifoliar, the concavities and convexities of the single filaments certainly engage each other regardless of the direction in which the single filaments overlap to prevent yarn slippage of the fabric, exerting an outstanding air permeability-reducing effect even after washing. Furthermore, the cross section of the single filaments has appropriate concavities and convexities, due to which the fabric surface tends to become uniformly smooth by calender processing, and favorable glossiness is easily provided.

The polyamide fiber used for the fabric before calender processing constituting the fabric of the present invention preferably has a single filament fineness of 0.4 to 2.2 dtex. A single filament fineness of less than 0.4 dtex is too thin and makes it difficult to provide sufficient strength for practical use. A single filament fineness of more than 2.2 dtex makes it difficult to provide low air permeability. The single filament fineness is more preferably 0.4 to 1.8 dtex.

Further, the polyamide fiber used for the fabric before calender processing constituting the fabric preferably has a total fiber fineness of 4 to 44 dtex from the standpoint of lightness of the fabric in use for down wear or material for sports. A total fiber fineness of less than 4 dtex makes it difficult to provide a fabric that has sufficient strength for practical use. A total fiber fineness of more than 44 dtex makes it difficult to provide a fabric that is lightweight and thin. The total fiber fineness is more preferably 4 to 40 dtex, still more preferably 4 to 31 dtex.

In the fabric, the polyamide fiber having a flat multifoliar cross section described above is used as warp or/and woof. The fiber can be of any form produced by a known method used also for common synthetic fibers such as finished yarn and twisted yarn.

The fabric is produced by a known method (weaving and dying) used also for common synthetic fibers. A preferred production method will now be given below.

In a weaving process, a loom beam for warp is first prepared. Specifically, a warp beam is prepared with a beam warper and then sized, if necessary, via a sizing machine, and a beamer is used to prepare a loom beam with a desired number of yarns. When sizing is unnecessary, a loom beam may be prepared directly from a warp beam using a beamer. Alternatively, a loom beam may be prepared after a sizing beam is directly prepared using a warper sizer. Subsequently, the loom beam is subjected to leasing and drawing and set on a loom, and woof is picked to weave a fabric.

The loom may be any type of loom such as a water-jet loom, an air jet loom, a rapier loom, and a gripper loom. The weave of the fabric may be a plain weave, a twill weave, a warp rib weave, a derivative weave thereof, or a combined weave thereof depending on the intended use of the fabric, and the plain weave with many crossover points is preferred to promote low air permeability. For textures for down proof wear, textures for outdoor wear, textures for windbreakers, and the like, which require enhanced tear strength, a weave forming a grid pattern is preferred, and a rip-stop weave having rip-stop portions is more preferred.

The fabric is required to have a cover factor (hereinafter also referred to as CF for short) of 1200 to 2500. A CF in this range provides a fabric that is lightweight and thin and has low air permeability. A CF of less than 1200 provides a fabric that is lightweight and thin, but this fabric is unlikely to be satisfactory in low air permeability. A CF of more than 2500 provides low air permeability but makes it difficult to provide a fabric that is lightweight and thin. “Cover factor (CF)” as used herein is calculated by the equation below:

CF=T×(DT)^(1/2) +W×(DW)^(1/2)

wherein T and W represent ends and picks per inch of the fabric, and DT and DW represent a total fiber fineness (dtex) of warp and woof constituting the fabric.

In a dying process, refinement, presetting, dying, and finish setting are performed. For dying, acid dyes and metal complex dyes used for polyamide fibers can preferably be used. After the dying, processing for functionalization may be performed. In processing to provide a functionalizing agent, the functionalizing agent is provided, for example, by dipping (padding), dried, and then cured. For example, for down proof wear, outdoor wear, and windbreakers, calender processing and water-repellent finishing are performed for functionalization, and examples of water-repellent agents that can be used include water-repellent agents such as organic fluorine compounds, silicones, and paraffin.

The fabric is required to be subjected to calender processing on one or both surfaces. In calender processing, a conventional calender processing machine is used, and in recent years, thermal calender processing has been commonly practiced. A fabric having an air permeability at a desired value can be obtained by appropriately selecting the heat shrinkage percentage of fibers, gray fabric density, and processing conditions such as heating temperature, pressure, and treating time in heating and pressing. These conditions, which are related to one another, are appropriately at, typically, 130° C. to 210° C. (heating roll temperature), 98 kN to 149 kN (heating roll load), and 10 to 30 m/min (fabric travel speed), while taking the heat shrinkage percentage of fibers into consideration.

The fabric preferably has a tear strength of 5.0 N or more, more preferably 6.0 N or more. “Tear strength” as used herein refers, when the polyamide fiber having a flat multifoliar cross section is used as warp, to a tear strength in the longitudinal direction, and, when the polyamide fiber having a flat multifoliar cross section is used as woof, to a tear strength in the transverse direction. When the polyamide fiber of flat multifoliar shape is used as warp and woof, the tear strength refers to tear strengths in the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction. A tear strength of 5.0 N or more provides a fabric that has sufficient strength for practical use. To provide a fabric that is lightweight and thin and has high strength, the tear strength is preferably 40 N or less, more preferably 30 N or less.

The fabric preferably has an air permeability (also referred to as initial air permeability) of 1.0 cc/cm²/s or lower, more preferably 0.8 cc/cm²/s or lower. An air permeability of 1.0 cc/cm²/s or lower provides a fabric having excellent low air permeability. When the fabric is used as a ticking for, for example, down wear, down jackets, and sportswear, the air permeability is desirably 0.3 cc/cm²/s or higher to provide a moderately low air permeability that facilitates deformation including inflation and deflation due to the entrance and exit of air.

The fabric preferably has an air permeability after fifty washing of 1.0 cc/cm²/s or lower, more preferably 0.9 cc/cm²/s or lower. An air permeability after fifty washing of 1.0 cc/cm²/s or lower cannot cause slipping-out of downs from the fabric during washing or slipping-out of downs due to yarn slippage of the fabric after washing, providing a fabric with excellent down proolhess. An air permeability after fifty washing of higher than 1.0 cc/cm²/s is likely to cause slipping-out of downs, and exhibits irregularities on the fabric surface due to yarn slippage of the fabric, which can cause significant degradation of the quality, for example, of down jackets.

For the fabric, by using filaments of flat multifoliar cross-sectional shape having a flat ratio (F) and a modified shape ratio (F) in the above-described ranges in advance, movement of single filaments tends to be further restricted, and upon being pressed and fixed by calender processing, concavities and convexities of the single filaments overlap each other with a small gap therebetween to enhance the air permeability-reducing effect, leading to reduced air permeability. Furthermore, since the cross section of the single filaments is multifoliar, the concavities and convexities of the single filaments certainly engage each other regardless of the direction in which the single filaments overlap to prevent yarn slippage of the fabric, exerting an outstanding air permeability-reducing effect even after washing. For example, in a Y-shaped cross section fiber or a cruciform cross section fiber, a portion prone to yarn slippage where a concave portion and a concave portion overlap each other is formed depending on the direction in which single filaments overlap, leading to increased air permeability or causing yarn slippage (FIG. 5).

Furthermore, the difference between the initial air permeability and the air permeability after fifty washing of the fabric is preferably 0.4 cc/cm²/s or less. The fabric, by including filaments of flat multifoliar cross-sectional shape that has a flat ratio (F) and a modified shape ratio (F) in the ranges mentioned above and having a CF in the range mentioned above, is able to maintain low air permeability after washing and keep a high-gloss and uniform surface because of the yarn slippage-preventing effect of concavities and convexities of single filaments, thereby maintaining the quality, for example, of down jackets.

We provide a fabric that is lightweight and thin and has high strength, low air permeability, and excellent glossiness with no glitter or streaks. Furthermore, we provide a fabric that can be suitably used for a ticking of, for example, sportswear, casual wear, and women's and men's wear represented, for example, by down jackets, windbreakers, golf wear, and rainwear.

The sewn product is characterized by being obtained by using the fabric in part. Its applications include, but are not limited to, sportswear, casual wear, and women's and men's wear represented, for example, by down jackets, windbreakers, golf wear, and rainwear.

Further, the down shell and the down jacket is characterized by being obtained by using the fabric according to the present invention at least in part.

EXAMPLES

The fabric will now be described in detail with reference to examples. The measured values in the examples were determined according to the following methods.

A. Relative Viscosity

A weighed sample is dissolved in 98 mass % concentrated sulfuric acid to a sample concentration (C) of 1 g/100 ml, and the time-of-fall seconds (T1) of the resulting solution is measured at a temperature of 25° C. using an Ostwald viscometer. Similarly, the time-of-fall seconds (T2) of 98 mass % concentrated sulfuric acid containing no sample is measured at a temperature of 25° C., and a relative viscosity in 98% sulfuric acid (ηr) of the sample is calculated by the following equation.

(ηr)=(T1/T2)+{1.891×(1.000−C)}

B. Total Fiber Fineness and Single Filament Fineness (a) Nylon 6 Fiber

A fiber sample is wound around a counter reel with a circumference of 1.125 m 400 times at a tension of 1/30 cN×displayed decitex to prepare a skein. The skein is dried at a temperature of 105° C. for 60 minutes, transferred to a desiccator, and allowed to cool in an environment of 20° C. and 55 RH for 30 minutes. The mass of the skein is measured, and a mass per 10000 m is calculated from the value obtained. The total fiber fineness is calculated using the standard moisture regain (4.5%) of nylon 6. Total fiber fineness is defined as the average of four measurements. Single filament fineness is defined as a value obtained by dividing the total fiber fineness by the number of filaments.

(b) Disentangled Yarn of Fabric

Two lines are drawn on a fabric in the warp or woof direction at an interval of 100 cm, and the warp or woof of the fabric between the lines is disentangled. Next, a provisional total fiber fineness is calculated in order to determine a measuring load. A load of 2 g is applied to the disentangled yarn obtained, and a length (Lcm) between two points is measured, after which the yarn is cut at the two points (Lcm) to measure its weight (Wg), and a provisional total fiber fineness is calculated by the following equation. Next, in contrast to the provisional total fiber fineness, a load of 1/10 g/dtex is applied, and a length and weight between two points are measured similarly to the above, after which a total fiber fineness is calculated by the following equation.

Total fiber fineness (disentangled yarn of fabric)=W/L×1000000 (dtex)

Single filament fineness (dtex) is defined as a value obtained by dividing the total fiber fineness by the number of filaments. The same measurement was repeated five times, and its average are shown in the results.

C. Cross-Sectional Shape of Nylon 6 Fiber

A cross-sectional shape was observed using a light microscope at a magnification of 400. For a longest line segment A connecting any two apexes of convex portions of the flat multifoliar shape, a line segment B of a circumscribed quadrangle formed by lines that are parallel to the line segment A and are tangent lines containing outermost apexes (the angle between adjacent sides is 90°), the line segment B being other than the lines that are parallel to the line segment A, a line segment C connecting the apexes of adjacent convex portions in the largest concavity and convexity formed by the flat multifoliar shape, and a perpendicular D drawn from the bottom of a concave portion between the convex portions to the line segment C connecting the apexes of the convex portions, their lengths were measured, and calculation was performed by the following equations.

Flat ratio (F)=(a/b)

a: length of line segment A, b: length of line segment B

Modified shape ratio (F)=(c/d)

c: length of line segment C, d: length of line segment D

According to the method described above, a flat ratio (F) and a modified shape ratio (F) were calculated, and the averages of randomly-selected five filaments were used as the flat ratio (F) and the modified shape ratio (F) of yarn.

D. Cross-Sectional Shape of Fabric

Using a cross-sectional photograph of the fabric obtained by SEM at a magnification of 600, the cross-sectional shape of the fiber was observed to determine a flat ratio (W) and the number of concavities and convexities according to the method described above. From single filaments constituting the fabric, five filaments not exposed at the surface subjected to calender processing were randomly selected and evaluated, and its average value was used as the flat ratio (W) and the number of inflexion points of the polyamide fiber.

(a) Flat Ratio (W)

Flat ratio (W) is defined as a/(3, wherein a is a length of a longest line segment A connecting any two apexes of convex portions of the flat multifoliar shape), and β is a length of a line segment B of a circumscribed quadrangle formed by lines that are parallel to the line segment A and are tangent lines containing outermost apexes (the angle between adjacent sides is 90°), the line segment B being other than the lines that are parallel to the line segment A (see FIG. 2).

(b) The Number of Lobe Parts

The number of lobe parts is defined as a value obtained by dividing the number of inflexion points in a fiber cross section by 2.

E. Tear Strength

The tear strength of the fabric was measured in both the warp direction and the woof direction in accordance with the tear strength JIS D method (wet grab method) stipulated in JIS L 1096 (2010) 8.14.1.

F. Density of Fabric

The density of the fabric was measured in accordance with JIS L 1096 (2010) 8.3.1 based on corrected weight.

G. Air Permeability

The air permeability of the fabric was measured in accordance with the air permeability A method (Frajour type method) stipulated in JIS L 1096 (2010) 8.26.1.

(a) Initial Air Permeability

For the fabric before washing, air permeability was measured three times, and initial air permeability was evaluated by its average value.

(b) Air Permeability After Fifty Washing

The fabric was washed in accordance with F-2 method described in dimensional change of fabric in JIS L 1096 (2010) 8.64.4. Fifty washing means that washing-spinning-drying is repeated 50 times. Air permeability after fifty washing of the fabric was evaluated by the average of three measurements of air permeability after fifty washing.

H. Glossiness

The glossiness of the fabric was visually evaluated by five experts relatively to Comparative Example 1, and rated on a 5-point scale. For a fabric subjected to calender processing on only one surface, the surface subjected to calender processing was evaluated. Rating 4 or higher was considered as acceptable.

5: Having a high-quality delicate gloss

4: Having a mild gloss

3: Having a normal gloss (Comparative Example 1)

2: Having slight glitter or streaks

1: Having glitter or streaks

I. Down Proof Test

The down proof test was carried out using a fabric after fifty washing as follows: a sample of 35 cm×35 cm filled inside with 40 g of feathers was prepared (seams being sealed with resin); this sample was placed in a tumble dryer together with five rubber tubes stipulated in JIS L 1076 (2010) A method, and the tumble dryer was operated for 60 minutes without heating; and after the operation completed, the sample was taken out, and the degree of slipping-out of feathers was visually rated on a 5-point scale below. Rating 4 or higher was considered as acceptable.

5: 3 feathers or less

4: 4 to 10 feathers

3: 11 to 30 feathers

2: 31 to 50 feathers

1: 51 feathers or more

J. Overall Evaluation

The glossiness and the down proofness were summed, and 8 or higher was considered as acceptable.

Example 1 Preparation of Nylon 6 Fiber Having Flat Cross Section with Eight Leaves

Nylon 6 with a relative viscosity of 3.5 was melt-extruded through a spinneret having an outlet port with a shape as shown in FIG. 3( a) (slit width: 0.07 mm, slit length ratio: e/f=5/2) at a spinning temperature of 285° C., cooled, oiled, entangled, and taken up with a godet roller of 2800 m/min. Subsequently, the resultant was stretched to 1.4 times, heat-set at a temperature of 155° C., and wound up at a rate of 3500 m/min to obtain a nylon 6 fiber of 33 dtex and 26 filaments having a flat cross section with eight leaves.

A flat ratio (F) and a modified shape ratio (F) was calculated from a cross-sectional photograph of the nylon 6 fiber obtained. The results are shown in Table 1. Preparation of Nylon 6 Fiber of 22 Dtex and 20 Filaments Having Round Cross Section

Nylon 6 with a relative viscosity of 3.0 was melt-extruded through a round-hole spinneret at a spinning temperature of 280° C., cooled, oiled, entangled, and taken up with a godet roller of 2480 m/min. Subsequently, the resultant was stretched to 1.7 times, heat-set at a temperature of 155° C., and wound up at a rate of 4000 m/min to obtain a nylon 6 fiber of 22 dtex and 20 filaments having a round cross section.

Production of Fabric

Using the nylon 6 fiber having a flat cross section with eight leaves as woof, and the nylon 6 fiber of 22 dtex and 20 filaments having a round cross section as warp, a fabric was woven in a plain weave at 188 ends per inch and 135 picks per inch.

According to a conventional method, the gray fabric obtained was refined with a solution containing caustic soda (NaOH) in an amount of 2 g per liter using an open soaper, dried at a temperature of 120° C. using a cylinder dryer, preset at 170° C., stained with a jigger dying machine, impregnated (padded) with a fluorine resin compound, dried (temperature: 120° C.), and subjected to finish setting (temperature: 175° C.). Thereafter, the resultant was subjected to calender processing (processing conditions: cylinder processing, heating roll surface temperature: 180° C., heating roll load: 147 kN, fabric travel speed: 20 m/min) once on both surfaces to obtain a fabric. The physical properties and evaluation results of the fabric obtained are shown in Tables 2 and 3. The fabric was satisfactory. A SEM photograph of a transverse cross section of the fabric is shown in FIG. 1.

Example 2

A fabric was obtained using the nylon 6 fiber of 22 dtex and 20 filaments having a round cross section as warp and a nylon 6 fiber of 33 dtex and 26 filaments having a flat cross section with eight leaves prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the spinning temperature of the nylon 6 fiber having a flat cross section with eight leaves was changed to 280° C. The physical properties and evaluation results of the fabric obtained are shown in Tables 2 and 3. The fabric was satisfactory.

Example 3

A fabric was obtained using the nylon 6 fiber of 22 dtex and 20 filaments having a round cross section as warp and a nylon 6 fiber of 33 dtex and 26 filaments having a flat cross section with eight leaves prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the spinning temperature of the nylon 6 fiber having a flat cross section with eight leaves was changed to 275° C. The physical properties and evaluation results of the fabric obtained are shown in Tables 2 and 3. The fabric was satisfactory.

Example 4

A fabric was obtained using the nylon 6 fiber of 22 dtex and 20 filaments having a round cross section as warp and a nylon 6 fiber of 33 dtex and 26 filaments having a flat cross section with six leaves prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the shape of the outlet port of the spinneret was changed (FIG. 3( b), slit width: 0.07 mm, slit length ratio: g/h=5/2). The physical properties and evaluation results of the fabric obtained are shown in Tables 2 and 3. The fabric was satisfactory.

Example 5

A fabric was obtained using the nylon 6 fiber of 22 dtex and 20 filaments having a round cross section as warp and a nylon 6 fiber of 33 dtex and 26 filaments having a flat cross section with ten leaves prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the shape of the outlet port of the spinneret was changed (FIG. 3( c), slit width: 0.07 mm, slit length ratio: i/j=5/2). The physical properties and evaluation results of the fabric obtained are shown in Tables 2 and 3. The fabric was satisfactory.

Example 6

A fabric was obtained using the nylon 6 fiber of 22 dtex and 20 filaments having a round cross section as warp and a nylon 6 fiber of 22 dtex and 20 filaments having a flat cross section with eight leaves prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the number of filaments of the nylon 6 fiber having a flat cross section with eight leaves was changed to 20 and the total fiber fineness was 22 dtex. The physical properties and evaluation results of the fabric obtained are shown in Tables 2 and 3. The fabric was satisfactory.

Example 7

A fabric was obtained using the nylon 6 fiber of 22 dtex and 20 filaments having a round cross section as warp and a nylon 6 fiber of 44 dtex and 40 filaments having a flat cross section with eight leaves prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the number of filaments of the nylon 6 fiber having a flat cross section with eight leaves was changed to 40 and the total fiber fineness was 44 dtex. The physical properties and evaluation results of the fabric obtained are shown in Tables 2 and 3. The fabric was satisfactory.

Example 8

A fabric was obtained using the nylon 6 fiber of 22 dtex and 20 filaments having a round cross section as warp and a nylon 6 fiber of 22 dtex and 12 filaments having a flat cross section with eight leaves prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the number of filaments of the nylon 6 fiber having a flat cross section with eight leaves was changed to 12 and the total fiber fineness was 22 dtex. The physical properties and evaluation results of the fabric obtained are shown in Tables 2 and 3. The fabric was satisfactory.

Example 9

A fabric was obtained using the nylon 6 fiber of 22 dtex and 20 filaments having a round cross section as warp and a nylon 6 fiber of 44 dtex and 58 filaments having a flat cross section with eight leaves prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the number of filaments of the nylon 6 fiber having a flat cross section with eight leaves was changed to 58 and the total fiber fineness was 44 dtex. The physical properties and evaluation results of the fabric obtained are shown in Tables 2 and 3. The fabric was satisfactory.

Example 10

A fabric was obtained using the nylon 6 fiber of 22 dtex and 20 filaments having a round cross section as warp and a nylon 6 fiber of 11 dtex and 8 filaments having a flat cross section with eight leaves prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the number of filaments of the nylon 6 fiber having a flat cross section with eight leaves was changed to 8 and the total fiber fineness was 11 dtex. The physical properties and evaluation results of the fabric obtained are shown in Tables 2 and 3. The fabric was satisfactory.

Example 11

A fabric was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the fabric was subjected to calender processing (processing conditions: cylinder processing, heating roll surface temperature: 180° C., heating roll load: 147 kN, fabric travel speed: 20 m/min) once on one surface. The physical properties and evaluation results of the fabric obtained are shown in Tables 2 and 3. The fabric was satisfactory.

Example 12

A fabric was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the nylon 6 fiber of 22 dtex and 20 filaments having a round cross section was used as warp; a nylon 6 fiber of 33 dtex and 26 filaments having a flat cross section with eight leaves prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 was used as woof; and the fabric was woven in a plain weave at 220 ends per inch and 160 picks per inch. The physical properties and evaluation results of the fabric obtained are shown in Tables 2 and 3. The fabric was satisfactory.

Example 13

A fabric was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the fabric was woven in a rip-stop taffeta weave. The physical properties and evaluation results of the fabric obtained are shown in Table 2. The fabric was satisfactory.

Example 14

A fabric was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the heating roll load in calender processing was 74 kN. The physical properties and evaluation results of the fabric obtained are shown in Tables 2 and 3. The fabric was satisfactory although it was inferior to Example 1 in glossiness and down proof test because of weak calendering.

Example 15

A fabric was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1 except that a nylon 6 fiber of 33 dtex and 26 filaments having a flat cross section with eight leaves prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 was used as warp; the nylon 6 fiber of 22 dtex and 20 filaments having a round cross section was used as woof; and the fabric was woven in a plain weave at 190 ends per inch and 160 picks per inch. The physical properties and evaluation results of the fabric obtained are shown in Tables 2 and 3. The fabric was satisfactory.

Example 16

A fabric was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1 except that a nylon 6 fiber of 33 dtex and 26 filaments having a flat cross section with eight leaves prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 was used as warp and woof, and the fabric was woven in a plain weave at 190 ends per inch and 135 picks per inch. The physical properties and evaluation results of the fabric obtained are shown in Tables 2 and 3. The fabric was satisfactory.

Comparative Example 1

A fabric was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1 except for using the nylon 6 fiber of 22 dtex and 20 filaments having a round cross section as warp and a polyamide fiber of 22 dtex and 20 filaments having a round cross section as woof. The physical properties and evaluation results of the fabric obtained are shown in Tables 2 and 3. In particular, the fabric obtained, in which the overlap of filaments was reduced and the pressed state was insufficient even after calender processing because of the use of the polyamide fiber having a round cross section, had poor air permeability and was poor in the down proof test.

Comparative Example 2

A fabric was obtained using the nylon 6 fiber of 22 dtex and 20 filaments having a round cross section as warp and a nylon 6 fiber of 33 dtex and 24 filaments having a Y-shaped cross section prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 except that a spinneret having a Y-shaped outlet port (FIG. 4 (a), slit width: 0.07 mm, slit length k: 0.5 mm) was used. The physical properties and evaluation results of the fabric obtained are shown in Tables 2 and 3. The fabric obtained was significantly poor in air permeability after fifty washing and poor in the down proof test. Furthermore, for glossiness, the fabric obtained had a glittering gloss and also streaks, and a fabric with a delicate and elegant gloss could not be obtained.

Comparative Example 3

A fabric was obtained using the nylon 6 fiber of 22 dtex and 20 filaments having a round cross section as warp and a nylon 6 fiber of 33 dtex and 24 filaments having a cruciform cross section prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 except that a spinneret having a cross-shaped outlet port (FIG. 4 (b), slit width: 0.07 mm, slit length 1: 0.5 mm) was used. The physical properties and evaluation results of the fabric obtained are shown in Tables 2 and 3. The fabric obtained, similarly to Comparative Example 2, was significantly poor in air permeability after fifty washing and poor in the down proof test. For glossiness, the fabric obtained had a glittering gloss and also streaks, and a fabric with a delicate and elegant gloss could not be obtained.

Comparative Example 4

A fabric was obtained using the nylon 6 fiber of 22 dtex and 20 filaments having a round cross section as warp and a nylon 6 fiber of 33 dtex, 26 filaments, and a flat ratio (F) of 1.3 having a flat cross section with eight leaves prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 except that nylon 6 with a relative viscosity of 2.5 was used. The physical properties and evaluation results of the fabric obtained are shown in Tables 2 and 3. The fabric obtained had a low flat ratio (W) and insufficient glossiness, and also was poor in air permeability after fifty washing and somewhat poor in the down proof test.

Comparative Example 5

A fabric was obtained using the nylon 6 fiber of 22 dtex and 20 filaments having a round cross section as warp and a nylon 6 fiber of 33 dtex, 26 filaments, and a flat ratio (F) of 3.5 having a flat cross section with eight leaves prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 except that nylon 6 with a relative viscosity of 4.0 was used and the spinning temperature was changed to 275° C. The physical properties and evaluation results of the fabric obtained are shown in Tables 2 and 3. The fabric was very glittering because of the high flat ratio (W).

Comparative Example 6

A fabric was obtained using the nylon 6 fiber of 22 dtex and 20 filaments having a round cross section as warp and a nylon 6 fiber of 33 dtex and 26 filaments having a flat cross section with twelve leaves prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the shape of the outlet port of the spinneret was changed (FIG. 4 (c), slit width: 0.07 mm, slit length ratio: m/n=5/2). The physical properties and evaluation results of the fabric obtained are shown in Tables 2 and 3. Because of the nearly round cross section, the fabric obtained had high air permeability after fifty washing and was poor in the down proof test, failing to provide mild glossiness.

Comparative Example 7

A fabric was obtained using the nylon 6 fiber of 22 dtex and 20 filaments having a round cross section as warp and a nylon 6 fiber of 22 dtex and 5 filaments having a flat cross section with eight leaves prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the number of outlet ports of the spinneret was changed to 5 and the total fiber fineness was 22 dtex. The physical properties and evaluation results of the fabric obtained are shown in Tables 2 and 3. Because of the large single filament fineness, satisfactory results were not obtained in the down proof test.

Comparative Example 8

A fabric was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the cover factor was 976. The physical properties and evaluation results of the fabric obtained are shown in Tables 2 and 3. Because of the low density, the fabric obtained was poor in initial air permeability and poor in the down proof test.

Comparative Example 9

A fabric was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the fabric was not subjected to calender processing. The physical properties and evaluation results of the fabric obtained are shown in Tables 2 and 3. The overlap of filaments was insufficient, and the fabric obtained was poor in the down proof test.

TABLE 1 Warp Weft Crosssection Flat Modefied Crosssection Flat Modefied shape dtex/f ratio shape ratio shape dtex/f ratio shape ratio Example 1 Circle 22/20 1.0 — Flat eight-leaf 33/26 1.6 7.5 Example 2 Circle 22/20 1.0 — Flat eight-leaf 33/26 2.1 5.5 Example 3 Circle 22/20 1.0 — Flat eight-leaf 33/26 2.4 4.0 Example 4 Circle 22/20 1.0 — Flat six-leaf 33/26 2.2 5.5 Example 5 Circle 22/20 1.0 — Flat ten-leaf 33/26 2.2 5.5 Example 6 Circle 22/20 1.0 — Flat eight-leaf 22/20 1.6 7.5 Example 7 Circle 22/20 1.0 — Flat eight-leaf 44/40 1.8 5.5 Example 8 Circle 22/20 1.0 — Flat eight-leaf 22/12 2.4 1.2 Example 9 Circle 22/20 1.0 — Flat eight-leaf 44/58 1.7 6.2 Example 10 Circle 22/20 1.0 — Flat eight-leaf 11/8  1.8 6.0 Example 11 Circle 22/20 1.0 — Flat eight-leaf 33/26 1.6 7.5 Example 12 Circle 22/20 1.0 — Flat eight-leaf 33/26 1.6 7.5 Example 13 Circle 22/20 1.0 — Flat eight-leaf 33/26 1.6 7.5 Example 14 Circle 22/20 1.0 — Flat eight-leaf 33/26 1.6 7.5 Example 15 Flat eight-leaf 33/26 1.6 7.5 Circle 22/20 1.0 — Example 16 Flat eight-leaf 33/26 1.6 7.5 Flat eight-leaf 33/26 1.6 7.5 Comparative Circle 22/20 1.0 — Circle 22/20 1.0 — Example 1 Comparative Circle 22/20 1.0 — Y 33/24 1.1 3.0 Example 2 Comparative Circle 22/20 1.0 — X 33/24 1.0 3.5 Example 3 Comparative Circle 22/20 1.0 — Flat eight-leaf 33/26 1.3 8.5 Example 4 Comparative Circle 22/20 1.0 — Flat eight-leaf 33/26 3.5 0.8 Example 5 Comparative Circle 22/20 1.0 — Flat twelve-leaf 33/26 2.5 5.0 Example 6 Comparative Circle 22/20 1.0 — Flat eight-leaf 22/5  2.2 1.2 Example 7 Comparative Circle 22/20 1.0 — Flat eight-leaf 33/26 1.6 7.5 Example 8 Comparative Circle 22/20 1.0 — Flat eight-leaf 33/26 1.6 7.5 Example 9

TABLE 2 Warp Weft Single Single Total filament Flat Number Total filament Flat Crosssection fineness fineness ratio of leaf Crosssection fineness fineness ratio Polyamide shape dtex dtex (W) portions shape dtex dtex (W) Example 1 N6 Circle 25 1.3 1.1 0 Flat eight-leaf 38 1.5 1.7 Example 2 N6 Circle 25 1.3 1.1 0 Flat eight-leaf 38 1.5 2.0 Example 3 N6 Circle 25 1.3 1.1 0 Flat eight-leaf 38 1.5 2.4 Example 4 N6 Circle 25 1.3 1.1 0 Flat six-leaf 38 1.5 2.2 Example 5 N6 Circle 25 1.3 1.1 0 Flat ten-leaf 38 1.5 2.2 Example 6 N6 Circle 25 1.3 1.1 0 Flat eight-leaf 25 1.3 1.6 Example 7 N6 Circle 25 1.3 1.1 0 Flat eight-leaf 49 1.2 1.8 Example 8 N6 Circle 25 1.3 1.1 0 Flat eight-leaf 25 2.1 2.4 Example 9 N6 Circle 25 1.3 1.1 0 Flat eight-leaf 49 0.8 1.8 Example 10 N6 Circle 25 1.3 1.1 0 Flat eight-leaf 13 1.6 2.0 Example 11 N6 Circle 25 1.3 1.1 0 Flat eight-leaf 38 1.5 1.7 Example 12 N6 Circle 25 1.3 1.1 0 Flat eight-leaf 38 1.5 1.7 Example 13 N6 Circle 25 1.3 1.1 0 Flat eight-leaf 38 1.5 1.7 Example 14 N6 Circle 25 1.3 1.1 0 Flat eight-leaf 38 1.5 1.7 Example 15 N6 Flat eight-leaf 38 1.5 1.6 8 Circle 25 1.3 1.1 Example 16 N6 Flat eight-leaf 38 1.5 1.6 8 Flat eight-leaf 38 1.5 1.7 Comparative N6 Circle 25 1.3 1.1 0 Circle 25 1.3 1.1 Example 1 Comparative N6 Circle 25 1.3 1.1 3 Y 38 1.5 1.9 Example 2 Comparative N6 Circle 25 1.3 1.1 4 X 38 1.5 1.7 Example 3 Comparative N6 Circle 25 1.3 1.1 8 Flat eight-leaf 38 1.5 1.3 Example 4 Comparative N6 Circle 25 1.3 1.1 8 Flat eight-leaf 38 1.5 3.5 Example 5 Comparative N6 Circle 25 1.3 1.1 12 Flat twelve-leal 38 1.5 2.5 Example 6 Comparative N6 Circle 25 1.3 1.1 8 Flat eight-leaf 25 5.0 2.2 Example 7 Comparative N6 Circle 25 1.3 1.1 8 Flat eight-leaf 38 1.5 1.7 Example 8 Comparative N6 Circle 25 1.3 1.0 8 Flat eight-leaf 38 1.5 1.7 Example 9 Weft Number of leaf Woven fabric Tear strength (N) Weight portions Textile weave Warp Weft CF Calendering Warp Weft g/m² Example 1 8 Plain weave 210 135 1761 Both surfaces 7.5 7.3 40 Example 2 8 Plain weave 210 135 1761 Both surfaces 7.5 7.0 40 Example 3 8 Plain weave 210 135 1761 Both surfaces 7.5 6.8 40 Example 4 6 Plain weave 210 135 1761 Both surfaces 7.5 7.2 40 Example 5 10 Plain weave 210 135 1761 Both surfaces 7.5 6.9 40 Example 6 8 Plain weave 210 160 1735 Both surfaces 7.5 6.5 36 Example 7 8 Plain weave 190 110 1621 Both surfaces 7.5 6.4 48 Example 8 8 Plain weave 210 160 1735 Both surfaces 7.5 6.0 36 Example 9 8 Plain weave 190 110 1621 Both surfaces 7.5 5.8 48 Example 10 8 Plain weave 210 190 1615 Both surfaces 7.5 5.6 32 Example 11 8 Plain weave 210 135 1761 Single surface 7.7 7.3 40 Example 12 8 Plain weave 240 160 2045 Both surfaces 7.8 7.5 44 Example 13 8 Rip stop weave 210 135 1761 Both surfaces 7.5 7.3 40 Example 14 8 Plain weave 210 135 1761 Both surfaces 7.5 7.3 40 Example 15 8 Plain weave 190 160 1842 Both surfaces 7.2 7.6 42 Example 16 8 Plain weave 190 135 1867 Both surfaces 7.2 7.3 43 Comparative 0 Plain weave 210 160 1735 Both surfaces 7.5 7.5 36 Example 1 Comparative 3 Plain weave 210 135 1761 Both surfaces 7.5 4.5 40 Example 2 Comparative 4 Plain weave 210 135 1761 Both surfaces 7.5 4.4 40 Example 3 Comparative 8 Plain weave 210 135 1761 Both surfaces 7.5 7.4 40 Example 4 Comparative 8 Plain weave 210 135 1761 Both surfaces 7.5 6.7 40 Example 5 Comparative 12 Plain weave 210 135 1761 Both surfaces 7.5 6.4 40 Example 6 Comparative 8 Plain weave 210 160 1735 Both surfaces 7.5 7.3 36 Example 7 Comparative 8 Plain weave 110 80 976 Both surfaces 7.3 7.2 32 Example 8 Comparative 8 Plain weave 210 135 1761 none 7.8 7.5 42 Example 9

TABLE 3 Initial air Air permeability permeability after fifty Difference Down (A) washing (B) (B) − (A) proof Overall cc/cm²/s cc/cm²/s cc/cm²/s Glossiness test evaluation Example 1 0.5 0.7 0.2 5 5 10 Example 2 0.5 0.7 0.2 5 5 10 Example 3 0.4 0.7 0.3 5 5 10 Example 4 0.5 0.8 0.3 4 5 9 Example 5 0.5 0.7 0.2 4 5 9 Example 6 0.5 0.7 0.2 5 5 10 Example 7 0.5 0.7 0.2 5 5 10 Example 8 0.7 0.9 0.2 5 5 10 Example 9 0.8 1.0 0.2 4 5 9 Example 10 0.6 0.9 0.3 5 5 10 Example 11 0.6 0.8 0.2 5 5 10 Example 12 0.4 0.6 0.2 5 5 10 Example 13 0.5 0.7 0.2 5 5 10 Example 14 1.0 1.2 0.2 4 4 8 Example 15 0.4 0.6 0.2 5 5 10 Example 16 0.4 0.5 0.1 5 5 10 Comparative 1.2 2.2 1.0 3 1 4 Example 1 Comparative 0.6 1.5 0.9 1 3 4 Example 2 Comparative 0.6 1.4 0.8 1 3 4 Example 3 Comparative 0.8 1.3 0.5 3 3 6 Example 4 Comparative 0.5 0.6 0.1 2 5 7 Example 5 Comparative 0.5 1.5 1.0 3 3 6 Example 6 Comparative 1.1 1.7 0.6 4 2 6 Example 7 Comparative 2.2 3.8 1.6 4 1 5 Example 8 Comparative 1.8 2.8 1.0 4 1 5 Example 9

As is clear from the results in Tables 2 and 3, the fabrics according to the Examples were fabrics having high strength by keeping the fiber outline flat, excellent air permeability (which is because movement of polyamide single filaments tends to be restricted by having large numbers of lobe parts, and upon being pressed and fixed by calender processing, concavities and convexities of the single filaments overlap each other with a small gap therebetween), and reduced slipping-out of downs. Furthermore, the cross section of single filaments constituting the fabric had appropriate concavities and convexities, due to which the fabric surface became uniformly smooth by calender processing, providing a high-quality and delicate gloss. Such excellent characteristics allow to provide a ticking of, for example, down wear, down jackets, and sportswear.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

Our fabric is lightweight and thin and has high strength, low air permeability, and excellent glossiness, and thus can be suitably used for a ticking of, for example, down wear, down jackets, and sportswear. 

1-7. (canceled)
 8. A fabric subjected to calender processing on one or both surfaces, comprising a polyamide fiber used as warp or/and woof having, after calender processing of the fabric, a single filament fineness of 0.5 to 2.5 dtex and a total fiber fineness of 5 to 50 dtex, the single filament having a cross-sectional shape that is flat multifoliar with 6 to 10 lobe parts and has a flat ratio (W) (α/β) of 1.5 to 3.0, wherein a is a length of a line segment A, which is a longest line segment connecting any two apexes of convex portions of the flat multifoliar shape, and β is a length of a line segment B of a circumscribed quadrangle formed by lines parallel to the line segment A and are tangent lines containing outermost apexes (the angle between adjacent sides is 90°), the line segment B being other than the lines parallel to the line segment A, the fabric having a cover factor of 1200 to
 2500. 9. The fabric according to claim 8, wherein the polyamide fiber has, before calender processing of the fabric, a single filament fineness of 0.4 to 2.2 dtex and a total fiber fineness of 4 to 44 dtex, the single filament having a cross-sectional shape that is flat multifoliar with 6 to 10 leaves and satisfies both equations: Flat ratio (F)(a/b)=1.5 to 3.0 Modified shape ratio (F)(c/d)=1.0 to 8.0 wherein a is a length of a longest line segment A connecting any two apexes of convex portions of the flat multifoliar shape; b is a length of a line segment B of a circumscribed quadrangle formed by lines parallel to the line segment A and are tangent lines containing outermost apexes (the angle between adjacent sides is 90°), the line segment B being other than the lines parallel to the line segment A; c is a length of a line segment C connecting the apexes of adjacent convex portions of the largest concavity and convexity among concavities and convexities formed by the flat multifoliar shape; and d is a length of a perpendicular D drawn from the bottom of a concave portion between the convex portions to the line segment C connecting the apexes of the convex portions
 10. The fabric according to claim 8, having a tear strength of 5.0 N or more and an initial air permeability of 1.0 cc/cm²/s or lower.
 11. The fabric according to claim 8, having an air permeability after fifty washing of 1.0 cc/cm²/s or lower.
 12. The fabric according to claim 8, wherein the difference between the initial air permeability and the air permeability after fifty washing is 0.4 cc/cm²/s or less.
 13. A sewn product obtained by using the fabric according to claim 8 at least in part.
 14. A down shell or a down jacket obtained by using the fabric according to claim 8 at least in part.
 15. The fabric according to claim 9, having a tear strength of 5.0 N or more and an initial air permeability of 1.0 cc/cm²/s or lower.
 16. The fabric according to claim 9, having an air permeability after fifty washing of 1.0 cc/cm²/s or lower.
 17. The fabric according to claim 10, having an air permeability after fifty washing of 1.0 cc/cm²/s or lower.
 18. The fabric according to claim 9, wherein the difference between the initial air permeability and the air permeability after fifty washing is 0.4 cc/cm²/s or less.
 19. The fabric according to claim 10, wherein the difference between the initial air permeability and the air permeability after fifty washing is 0.4 cc/cm²/s or less.
 20. The fabric according to claim 11, wherein the difference between the initial air permeability and the air permeability after fifty washing is 0.4 cc/cm²/s or less.
 21. A sewn product obtained by using the fabric according to claim 9 at least in part.
 22. A sewn product obtained by using the fabric according to claim 10 at least in part.
 23. A sewn product obtained by using the fabric according to claim 11 at least in part.
 24. A sewn product obtained by using the fabric according to claim 12 at least in part.
 25. A down shell or a down jacket obtained by using the fabric according to claim 9 at least in part.
 26. A down shell or a down jacket obtained by using the fabric according to claim 10 at least in part.
 27. A down shell or a down jacket obtained by using the fabric according to claim 11 at least in part. 